CAN Condemns Oyo School Attack, Demands Rescue Of Abducted Victims

The Christian Association of Nigeria has condemned the killing of an assistant headmaster who reportedly attempted to protect children during coordinated attacks on schools in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

CAN said the sacrifice made by the assistant headmaster must not be forgotten and called for those responsible to be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted.

In a statement issued on Monday by its President, Daniel Okoh, the association condemned the abduction of schoolchildren, teachers, and school officials during the attacks, describing the incident as a national disgrace and a disturbing sign of worsening insecurity.

Okoh decried the invasion of schools by armed criminals, describing the attacks as a direct assault on the nation’s conscience and evidence of a growing collapse of security.

According to him, the abduction of children and educators in broad daylight, alongside the reported killing of innocent residents, underscored the increasing threat posed by organised criminal groups.

“It is intolerable, disgraceful and utterly unacceptable that Nigerian children can no longer sit safely in classrooms without the fear of being kidnapped by armed gangs,” he said.

CAN expressed concern that armed attackers allegedly stormed multiple schools, terrorised communities, and escaped with dozens of pupils and teachers, noting that the incident represented more than a routine security breach.

The association said the development showed that violent criminal activities were spreading into areas previously considered relatively secure.

It lamented what it described as a “national humiliation,” stressing that no parent should have to watch helplessly as a child is dragged into the forest by gunmen, while teachers should not be forced to choose between educating children and risking abduction or death.

CAN further warned that persistent kidnappings and the inability to dismantle criminal networks were gradually normalising terror across the country.

The association noted that insecurity, once concentrated in parts of northern Nigeria, is now spreading into the South-West and other regions, threatening public confidence and national stability.

CAN appealed to the Federal Government, security agencies, and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts toward the immediate rescue of the abducted victims.

The association also called for the deployment of all available security and intelligence resources to secure the unconditional release of those abducted and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

It further urged authorities to strengthen security around schools, especially in rural communities, while increasing surveillance and operations around forests and suspected criminal hideouts.